Do you have what it takes to survive a GA accident?

The FAA has just released a fact sheet on surviving a general aviation accident.

“Every pilot needs to prepare for the unexpected. Although surviving a crash is one of those ‘I hope it never happens’ events, it’s something you need to consider both for yourself, and your passengers,” the fact sheet begins.

Accidents can happen quickly, so being prepared is key. Three factors will impact your ability to survive: Knowledge, discipline, and planning.

Here are some quick tips to remember:

Know your aircraft. Do you know which way your seatbelt unbuckles? Have you checked your seatbelt placement to ensure it’s unobstructed during an emergency?

Within the first five minutes of landing, exit the aircraft and account for the occupants. Check for breathing, bleeding, and injuries — in this order. Activate your ELT (and personal locator beacon if you have one), and use your phone to call 911.

Know what roads are along your route and what direction they are in.

File a flight plan even when flying VFR. This enables flight tracking and means that emergency services will be alerted should you not arrive when expected.

Don’t panic. Calm, thoughtful action is what will help you survive until you’re rescued.

How do you file a Flight Plan when you don’t know where you are going? I tried to file for an afternoon’s sightseeing flight over the mountains, with no planned destination or rout of flight, and they couldn’t enter it in the system.

The FAA is still thinking airliners that always fly from point A to point B.